The stage is set for a critical showdown as Ecuador will look to clinch a spot in the knockout stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup when they face Group E leader France on Wednesday at the Estadio Do Maracana in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Ecuador started the tournament with a 2-1 loss against Switzerland, but they bounced back with a crucial 2-1 victory against Honduras on Friday.

All Ecuador needs to advance to the last 16 is a victory against France. They will also earn a spot in the knockout stages even with a draw or a loss, as long as Switzerland get the same result in the other Group E match.

Enner Valencia is expected to spearhead Ecuador's attack as he did in their first two matches. The 25-year-old striker braced in their win against Honduras, increasing his goal total to three in the Brazil tournament.

However, Valencia will have his hands full on Wednesday's match, as he will be going up against France's tough defensive line.

"They're going to be very difficult opponents, we know France's strengths but we're going to have to take care if we want to hurt them," Valencia said via The Local.

France have already earned a spot in the next round, but they are expected to go all out against Ecuador.

A win for France, or at least a draw, will help them clinch the top spot in the group, which means that they will avoid a round of 16 showdown against Argentina, who are expected to finish on top of Group F.

France coach Didier Deschamps said that they will continue to play with urgency as they aim to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stages.

"We are aiming to ensure first place but that will require us to play well because we are up against a quality side," Deschamps said. "The objective for us is to win the match and we are taking it very seriously. Up until now we have been clinical in front of goal but with respect to Ecuador we can't think it will be easy."

France is expected to make changes, though, and Deschamps is reportedly planning to sit Karim Benzema, who scored three goals in their first two matches. Patrice Evra could also sit out for precautionary measures.

Schedule, Date, How to Watch

The France-Ecuador match is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. EST Wednesday, and will be shown on ESPN. Fans can also catch the action using their mobile devices via WatchESPN.

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